NW200: Dominic Herbertson forced to withdraw from event due to 'personal reasons'

Herbertson was due to ride for Northern Ireland’s Wilson Craig Honda team on a 1000cc Fireblade in the Superstock and Superbike classes.

On Wednesday evening, a statement issued by the team said it was with ‘great regret’ that he had been forced to pull out and asked for the 32-year-old’s privacy to be respected, adding that Herbertson had the team’s ‘full support’.

Team owner Darren Gilpin said French rider Amalric Blanc would replace Herbertson for the remainder of the event after his own machine suffered an engine failure.

“We were looking forward to this weekend with Dom, however his personal wellbeing is more important,” said Gilpin.

“We wish him well and hopefully he will be back on track soon.”

Three-time NW200 Supertwin race winner Jeremy McWilliams is riding in the Supersport class for the Northern Ireland team.

The former MotoGP star claimed a podium in the wet in the opening Supersport race in 2022.

Welshman Matthews Rees joined Gilpin’s team for 2023 but was ruled out of the North West through injury following a crash at the Cookstown 100 in April.

UPDATE: A statement released by Herbertson on Wednesday evening said: “First of all I would like to thank the Wilson Craig team for giving me the opportunity to compete for them at the North West 200, a great bunch of people.

“In regards to the recent statement released by the Wilson Craig Team, I have been misquoted. After a private conversation with the team, I made the personal decision to withdraw from the North West 200 for the remainder of the week.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been in touch and for the well wishes but I would like to emphasise the point that everything is ok!

“Gutted not to be racing but we will be raring to go on the GBS S1000RR & Cowton Racing machinery at the TT.

“I hope everyone has a safe race week.”